Arlington, TX

City offices and schools are closed today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I was surprised to find out that there WILL BE garbage and recycling pickup today. I would have missed it if not for checking this out for my readers.

Here’s a complete list to help you with what’s open and what’s not:

Closed today:
The Arlington Municipal Building (City Hall)
The Municipal Office Tower
Arlington Municipal Court 
Arlington Animal Services
George W. Hawkes Central Library and all branch libraries
Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office
Lake Arlington Operations
Handitran Office and Handitran special transportation services
Senior Recreation Center - New York

Open today:
Recreation Centers 
Hugh Smith Indoor Pool
Senior Recreation Center - Eunice
Arlington Tennis Center
All municipal golf courses with special weekend/holiday rates
Garbage and recycling pickups will occur as scheduled

Enjoy your day off work (if you got one)!

Two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee will be making an appearance to discuss his life and career in “Reel to Real” on February 9 at Texas Hall.

Lee’s films include He Got Game, Inside Man, Malcolm X, Mo Better Blues, Do the Right Thing and 4 Little Girls. He also directed the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries about the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina called When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.

The drum arrangements for that documentary were created and played by Adonis Rose, a former New Orleans resident, and jazz artist in residence at UT Arlington. He also serves as artistic director of the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra. As part of Spike Lee’s appearance, Rose will lead the UTA Jazz Band in a free concert, “Music from the Films of Spike Lee.”

The events taking place to celebrate Lee’s visit will include:

A panel discussion and screening of When the Levees Broke
Monday, February 4 - Thursday, February 7 at 7 pm 
Room 148 of the Fine Arts Building
700 Greek Row Drive
Open to the public on a space-available basis

Adonis Rose leads the UTA Jazz Band in “Music from the Films of Spike Lee”
Friday, February 8 at 6:30 pm
Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center
300 W. First Street

Reception and Screening of Lee’s film Inside Man starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen and Jodie Foster
Friday, February 8 at 8:00 pm
Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center
300 W. First Street

A full day of free film screenings - Malcom X, 4 Little Girls & Do the Right Thing
Saturday, February 9 beginning at 10:00 am
Room 148 of the Fine Arts Building
700 Greek Row Drive.

Spike Lee speaks “Reel to Real” 
Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 pm
Texas Hall
701 W. Nedderman Drive

Tickets for Lee’s lecture are $15 for the public, $10 for faculty, staff and UT Arlington Alumni Association members and $5 for UT Arlington students. A $50 ticket, which includes a reception with Lee, is available in limited supply. Call (817) 272-2963 or visit utatickets@uta.edu to purchase tickets.

A study by the Center for Public Policy and Social Research at Central Connecticut State University has given Arlington the dismal ranking of 62 (out 0f only 68 cities) for literacy in its 5th annual report. As bad as that sounds, it is actually an improvement over last years finish at #64.5.

The study ranked cities with populations over 250,000 on factors such as newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment, and internet resources.

Other Texas cities ranked in the list included Austin at number 23, Fort Worth at number 45, Dallas at 47.5, Plano at number 51 and Houston at 55. Arlington managed to finish higher than San Antonio (63), Corpus Christi (65) and El Paso (68). 

The top 10 cities were:

1. Minneapolis
2. Seattle
3. St. Paul
4. Denver
5. Washington, D.C.
6. St. Louis
7. San Francisco
8. Atlanta
9. Pittsburgh
10. Boston

Source

Do you have your Christmas tree down yet? Mine is still up but I’m hoping to get it down today. If you have a real tree this year, you may be interested to know that the city will be offering Curbside recycling for Christmas trees again this year. The recycling program will run January 10-12. The trees will be picked up after the regular trash pickup on those days.

Arlington residents who live south of Interstate 20 will have pickup on Thursday, January 10. If you live in the central part of the city, between Park Row Drive and I-20, Christmas trees will be collected on Friday, January 11. And residents north of Park Row Drive should put their trees out for collection on Saturday, January 12.

Before you put your tree out to be recycled, you must remove all lights, ornaments and tree stands, including wooden stands and nails. Do not place the tree in a plastic bag and keep it seperate from your regular garbage. Flocked trees will be accepted. 

If you want to get the tree out of your way before your designated pickup day, you may drop it off at Calloway’s Nursery located at 4940 S. Cooper St. during regular business hours.

The recycled trees will be turned into mulch which will be available free of charge for your garden or landscaping from the Sanitary Landfill.

Last year’s program recycled over 62 tons of Christmas Trees.

For more information on the Curbside Tree Recycling Program or to obtain free mulch, call the City’s Recycling Office at 817-459-6777 or visit http://www.arlingtontx.gov/. For general information on tree disposal, you can contact Arlington Disposal Company at 817-417-2000.

When the city raised storm water fees by a phenomenal amount this past summer, Arlington school superintendent Mac Bernd called the increase “unconscionable” and refused to pay. The city threatened to turn off water to the schools and the district was considering a lawsuit.

The city caved and at last night’s City Council meeting, voted to exempt all local school districts from paying the fees. City leaders say they hope this will help to reopen communication with the school district so they can concentrate on more important issues,  such as gang violence.

The fee increase, which was implemented on October 1, would have cost the school district an estimated $110,000 more this year. The AISD had been paying about $6,000 a month. Since the increase, the school district has withheld the storm-water fee payment, setting the money aside in an escrow account, and has paid the rest of their water bill. 

Other items approved at the City Council meeting included:

• Spend $1.6 million to dredge the west pond north of Randol Mill Road by the Ballpark and part of the channel south of Randol Mill that leads to the pond.
• Spend $200,000 to update zoning regulations.
• Begin bidding on gas leases on 274 acres of city-owned land, including Rush Creek Linear Park and Veterans Park.
• Spend $153,000 to maintain medians and rights of way in the entertainment district and $113,000 for grounds maintenance, such as mowing, on city-owned land.
• Create a tax increment financing district around the Viridian project planned for far north Arlington.

Source

The city of Arlington has launched a program called “Street Scouts” to encourage residents to report hazards such as potholes, burned-out streetlights, and missing street signs. After all, residents know best what the problems are in their neighborhoods.

Residents are asked to report problems by leaving a message on the Arlington Community Services hotline at 817-459-6777 (or you can press “0″ to speak with a live operator) or by visiting the city’s website and clicking on “Citizen Action Request” on the right-hand side of the page. 

Average response times is 2-3 days for non-emergency problems such as burned out streetlights or minor potholes. Hazardous situations, such as dangerous potholes, downed light poles or missing stop signs, can receive same day response.

I have used this new service and I want to give the city rave reviews for their response. We had a huge bump on our street in front of our house as well as several crumbling curbs. Phone Guy contacted the city through the website and a crew was out the very next day marking the areas that needed to be fixed. They came out within a week and started the project, tearing out one side of the street and pouring new concrete. That same day they replaced all the deteriorating curbs on the street as well. After letting it cure for a week, they returned and fixed the other side of the street. Within 3 weeks, the entire project was done and our street was no longer a nuisance.

Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Many of us will be spending Thanksgiving with family and doing some shopping on Friday. but in case you have any city-related business to attend to, here is a rundown of what will be open and closed for the holiday: 

The following will be closed on Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 22:

• The Arlington Municipal Building (City Hall)
• The Municipal Office Tower
• Arlington Municipal Court
• George W. Hawkes Central Library and all branch libraries 
• Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office
• Handitran Office and Handitran special transportation services
• All Senior Recreation Centers
• All City of Arlington Recreation Centers
• Hugh Smith Indoor Pool
• Lake Arlington Operations
• Arlington Tennis Center
• No garbage or recycling pickups will occur

All municipal golf courses will be open with special weekend/holiday rates on Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day). Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

The following will be closed on Friday, November 23:

• The Arlington Municipal Building (City Hall)
• The Municipal Office Tower
• Arlington Municipal Court 
• George W. Hawkes Central Library and all branch libraries 
• Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office
• Handitran Office and Handitran special transportation services
• All Senior Recreation Centers
• Dottie Lynn Recreation Center
• Meadowbrook Recreation Center
• Hugh Smith Recreation Center
• Hugh Smith Indoor Pool
• Lake Arlington Operations
• Arlington Tennis Center

The following will be open on Friday, November 23:

• All municipal golf courses with special weekend/holiday rates
• Elzie Odom Recreation Center - Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.
• Cliff Nelson Recreation Center - Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
• Meadowbrook Recreation Center - Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
• Dottie Lynn Recreation Center - Opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
• Garbage and recycling pickups will occur as scheduled.

Hector Montenegro, currently superintendent of the Ysleta school district in El Paso, has been named the finalist for the new AISD superintendent. He will succeed the current superintendent, Mac Bernd, who announced his resignation earlier this year.

Montenegro has been superintendent of the Ysleta school district since 2003. The district, which has about 46,000 students, is in the eastern part of El Paso. He is credited with making improvements to the district. He has also been an administrator in Dallas, Austin and San Marcos and in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

Texas mandates a 21-day period between the naming of a finalist and his or her hiring. The period is used for trustees to conduct background checks and visit the finalist’s home district before making the final hiring decision.

Trustees are scheduled to visit the Ysleta school district on November 26. If everything checks out, Montenegro will be offered a contract on November 29.

Source and Photo: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Sorry I’m late today. I’m still recovering from Halloween. I think it should be a law that Halloween always falls on a Friday or Saturday. My kids and I were draggin’ this morning. Is it bedtime yet?

Anyway, today’s Thursday so I have a You Tube video to share with you as usual. Today’s video features the UTA Mavericks’ new mascot (who, as of yet, has not been named) doing the “Souljah Boy” with a young fan. The song, actually called “Crank That (Souljah Boy)” is the debut single from rapper Souljah Boy and is currently #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Though it’s not really a favorite of mine, everywhere I go I hear kids singing this song and see them doing the dance featured in the music video.

They both have the moves down, don’t they?

We all hate road construction, especially when it seems never-ending. A reader recently asked me if I knew what the holdup was with the South Collins Street project so I decided to try and find out.

South Collins Street between Mayfield Rd. and Pioneer Pkwy. has been under construction since April of 2006. The project included street reconstruction, the addition of a fifth and sixth lane, drainage, sidewalks, streetlights, pavement markings, median landscaping and irrigation improvements. Growing up in the area, I can tell you that every rainstorm meant a minefield of potholes down South Collins so it was a much needed change, and essential for the traffic that will come with the new Cowboys stadium. It was expected to be finished by April of 2007, but an abundance of rain in the spring delayed the project. (more…)

I was hoping to bring you both sides of the Crime Tax issue today, but unfortunately I could only find videos asking you to vote FOR the tax.  

I found three videos on YouTube supporting the issue and decided to just let you see them all.

The first one features Mayor Robert Cluck telling you why you should vote for the Crime Tax:

(more…)

There are plenty of Fall-related events around town this weekend. Many churches are having their fall carnivals and the haunted houses are in full-swing. You can have your picture made in the Pumpkin Patch or attend the Texas Guitar Show. And, as always, there is lots of great music to choose from. I bet you can find something fun for your family to do.

Have a great weekend everyone!

What: The Nosmo Kings
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

****

What: Metal Shop
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

****

What: Little Legends Storytime & Ballpark After Dark Sleepover
When: Friday, Oct. 19 (call for times)
Where: Legends of the Game Museum, 1000 Ballpark Way, ste. 400, 817-273-5600

****

What: Family Fun Campout
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 8 pm
Where: Lake Arlington

****

What: Texas Guitar Show
When: Fri. - Sun., Oct. 19-21
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, 817-459-5000

****

What: Pumpkin Patch Pictures
When: Sat., Oct. 20, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Arlington Animal Services, 5920 W. Pioneer Pkwy., 817-451-3436

****

What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 20 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

****

What: Clear Fork
When: Sat., Oct. 20 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

****

What: Uptown
When: Saturday, Oct. 20 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

****

What:  The Party Crashers
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:30 pm
Where: Reflections (Inside the Admiral Hotel), 1507 N. Watson rd., 817-640-7712

****

For a list of all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun check out this post! And don’t forget about Julius Jones at the Parks on Monday night!

On Tuesday, November 6, Arlington voters will be going to the polls. One of the items on the ballot will be the proposal for a local sales and use tax to finance the proposed Arlington Crime Control and Prevention District.

Five Town Hall meetings have been scheduled to allow Arlington voters the opportunity to learn more about crime control and prevention. The District 5 meeting was held last Thursday, but there are 4 more chances for citizens to attend meetings. They are as follows:

District 4 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by Council Member Kathryn Wilemon
6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15
Fire Training Center, 5501 Ron McAndrew Dr.

District 2 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by Deputy Mayor Pro-Tempore Sheri Capehart
7 p.m. Tuesday, October 16
Carol Holt Elementary, 7321 Ledbetter Road

District 3 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by City Council Member Robert Rivera
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17
Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center St.

District 1 Town Hall Meeting
Hosted by Council Member Mel LeBlanc
6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 18
River Legacy Living Science Center, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd.

Early voting begins Monday, October 22 and continues until Friday, November 2.

For more information about the Arlington Crime Control and Prevention District, you can visit the City of Arlington website at http://www.arlingtontx.gov/.

A woman and her two children were found dead inside their east Fort Worth home this afternoon, and police were in a standoff for hours with the suspect before he suddenly took off and drove his car through Arlington, down a boat ramp and into Lake Arlington.

The car sank and was completely submerged as of 7:45 p.m., and the man was believed to still be inside. Authorities are at the scene now. According to Fox 4, Police believe the suspect may have shot himself in the head as he went into the water. (more…)

We have lots of great music around town, as usual. It’s also the last weekend to catch Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre Arlington. After Dark in the Park is going on for the kids at River Legacy Park.  And the SPCA will be set up for pet adoptions in the lower level of the Parks Mall, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Have a great weekend everyone!

What: Holland K. Smith
When: Friday, Oct. 12 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

****

What: Rat Ranch
When: Fri. - Sat., Oct. 12-13 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

****

What: Arlington Master Chorale
When: Fri. - Sat., Oct. 12-13 @ 8:00 pm
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2024 S Collins St, 817-277-6871

****

What: Little Shop of Horrors (final weekend!)
When: Fri.-Sun., Oct. 12-14 @ 8 pm
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St., 817-275-7661

****

What: After Dark in the Park (ages 2 to 10)
When: Fri. - Sun., Oct. 12-14 (see website for times)
Where: River Legacy Park, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd at Cooper St, 817-861-2576

****

What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

****

What: Swan Song Tributes
When: Sat., Oct. 13 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

****

What: SPCA Pet Adoptions 
When: Saturday, Oct. 13, Noon to 4:00 pm
Where: The Parks at Arlington, 3811 S. Cooper Street, 817-467-0200

****

And don’t forget all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun. You can find a listing of all of the spooky fun by clicking here!